A merchant seaman has been given a medal posthumously for his work on the Arctic convoys.

The family of the late Alexander Robson were awarded one of Russia’s highest medals in recognition of the role he played in helping the country in World War II.

Alexander, of North Shields, died in December last year at the age of 87 in North Tyneside General surrounded by his family including his wife of 60 years Irene, 84, and daughter Brenda.

Last year he was notified he would be awarded the Ushakov Medal in recognition of his part in getting supplies through to Russian soldiers in the Arctic Convoys.

More than 3,000 British naval and merchant seamen died while operating in the Arctic Convoy.

Alexander, known as Alec, was just 16 years old when he joined the Merchant Navy and served on SS Empire Lionel, braving sub-zero temperatures and enemy U-boats and warplanes to keep the supply lines open to Russia between August 1941 and May 1945.

Irene, 84, said: “Alexander knew he was being awarded the medal, it was his highest honour and he was incredibly proud.

“Whilst he was ill he was waiting for it and when he was admitted to hospital the staff on the unit called the Russian Embassy in London for him to try and speed things up so he could have it before he died.

“The Russians have never forgotten the Arctic Convoys getting supplies through to them. Churchill said they were on a ‘suicide mission’. Alexander had already received the Arctic Star medal. He was so young when he was in the convoy but he said it was an ‘adventure’ for him.”

Irene Robson, with the late Alexander Robson who was awarded the Ushakov medal to Arctic Convoy Veterans

Alexander’s granddaughter Emma Robson was able to visit the Russian Embassy in London to receive the medal in his honour and his son Alex who lives in Australia returned to visit last year to be with his father and family during his illness.

Irene and Brenda returned to the palliative care unit at North Tyneside General Hospital, run by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to thank staff for the care they gave Alexander and to show them the medal.

Brenda said: “We couldn’t fault the care he received. We got to know everyone really. It was beautiful, and we found it a great comfort. He liked to have a joke. They all liked him.

“He loved to talk about working on the convoys. If anyone asked he would tell his stories.

“I am proud and sad at the same time but we have our memories.”

Dr Paul Paes, head of palliative care for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are so pleased that Alexander was able to be awarded the Ushakov medal, one of Russia’s highest honours during his lifetime, which is a great comfort for his family.

“He was a very modest man but the medal meant a lot to him. We were touched they chose to visit to show us the medal and tribute and thank us for the care he received. “